191 - Ernemann | Ermanox Folding Camera 9 × 12 cm

Ernemann | Ermanox Folding Camera 9 × 12 cm Estimate: €3,600–4,000 Year: c. 1923 Serial No.: 1051930 Condition: B- English: An exceptionally rare and highly desirable Ernemann Klapp Camera 9 × 12 cm featuring the fast Ernemann Anastigmat Ernostar 2.7/15 cm, no. 186585. This impressive large-format folding camera dates from the most ambitious period of Ernemann production, when the Dresden-based company was pushing photographic optics toward ever greater speed. The camera combines the substantial 9x12 cm plate format with the exceptionally luminous 15 cm f/2.7 Ernostar, one of the early high-speed lens designs associated with Ludwig Bertele and an important precursor to the later Sonnar concept. This combination itself is extraordinarily rare. Most surviving Ernemann Klapp cameras of this format are found with considerably slower lenses, while the Ernostar 2.7/15 cm appears only very rarely on the 9x12 cm Klapp body. The only other documented example has body and lens serial numbers that are very close. The present camera therefore represents far more than a conventional Ernemann folding plate camera. It embodies the transition from traditional large-format handheld cameras to the new generation of high-speed available-light photography that would soon make the Ermanox famous. A spectacular collector’s item and a significant camera in the development of the Ernostar/Ermanox tradition, in very fine condition with film holders in an Ernemann case. Provenance: Deutsches Fotomuseum, Markkleeberg German: An exceptionally rare and sought-after 9 × 12 cm Ernemann folding camera featuring the fast Ernemann Anastigmat Ernostar 2.7/15 cm No. 186585. This impressive large-format folding camera dates from Ernemann’s most ambitious development phase, when the Dresden-based company continually increased the light-gathering power of its photographic lenses. It combines the large 9 × 12 cm plate format with the exceptionally fast Ernostar 2.7/15 cm, one of the early high-performance lenses associated with Ludwig Bertele and an important precursor to the later Sonnar principle. This combination alone is exceptionally rare: most surviving Ernemann folding cameras of this format have significantly less light-sensitive lenses, while the Ernostar 2.7/15 cm is hardly ever found on a 9 × 12 cm folding body. The only other documented example has very similar body and lens numbers. This camera is therefore far more than a conventional Ernemann folding plate camera. It embodies the transition from the traditional large-format handheld camera to the new generation of fast cameras for shooting in available light, for which the Ermanox would soon become famous. A spectacular collector’s item and an important artifact in the developmental history of the Ernostar/Ermanox tradition. In very fine condition, with film cassettes in an Ernemann bag. Provenance: German Museum of Photography, Markkleeberg.